Mercedes-Benz has no mainstream product to show off to the world at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, so it brought some eye candy instead. The automaker on Wednesday unveiled the SLS AMG Black Series, an ultra-hot version of the company's SLS AMG supercar and seven-passenger GL SUV.

That Mercedes would use the L.A. Auto Show for this AMG showcase isn't a coincidence; the company says just under a third of all AMG sales are in California.

"It's the highest expression of AMG performance," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. As such, this SLS Black Series boosts the SLS GT's 583 horsepower to 622 horsepower, while torque actually drops from 479 pound-feet to 468 pound-feet. The engine's redline jumps to 8,000 rpm and it gets other revisions including a new oil pump, new crankshaft bearings and a revised cooling system.

The seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission now sits lower, and two of the gearbox's four drive modes have been retuned for more aggressive and faster shifts. The SLS Black Series also gets a revamped suspension system with two selectable modes, the car's track has been widened, and the speed-sensitive steering has been revised. This SLS also benefits from standard carbon-ceramic brakes.

Further weight savings come from a titanium sports exhaust system. All told, these changes add up to a weight savings of 154 pounds from the SLS GT, for a total curb weight of 3,417 pounds. The car will do 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds on its way to a 196-mph top speed.

This wasn't the only AMG product the company had on display. A GL63 AMG also made its North American debut. This seven-passenger SUV has 550 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It will do 0-60 in less than five seconds, making it one of the quickest ways to get the whole family to grandma's house this holiday season.

The 2012 L.A. Auto Show, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, saw some major debuts, a sign of increasingly fierce competition in the industry on all fronts. 360-degree view More: Major debuts on L.A. Auto Show opening day